Lucas committed to Liverpool

(GSM) – Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has moved to clear up fresh reports linking him with a move away from the Anfield. Earlier Palermo sporting director Walter Sabatini has revealed the club have made an offer for 23-year-old Lucas.

The Serie A club have been linked with Lucas for several months and the speculation has increased following the arrival of Roy Hodgson at Anfield. It’s reported the Brazil international has been made available to raise funds. But he wants to prove his true value to the club despite being linked with Palermo.

“I’m happy in Liverpool and looking forward to my fourth season,” Lucas said.

“I hope I stay. I’m happy to play for Liverpool and to improve my performances, as I did last season.

“I’m not here to try to prove critics wrong. I’m here to prove myself to the manager and my team-mates.

“That’s the most important thing. I don’t know why people criticise me so much but I just try to be positive and be strong.

“I know I had a good season last season and hope it will be even better this season.

“I have to keep going and show the manager that I can play and have the quality that he expects.”

Lucas hailed Reds’ new boss Hodgson as a good coach: “He seems to be very good as a coach, good with the tactical side of the game.”

“He will help everyone but for me he has a lot of experience, he has worked with big players at big clubs so his experience will help in giving me advice to help improve my game.

“I am confident we will have a better season. When there are lots of changes new motivation comes through and I think we can do better. We will do better.”